By Open Chronicle News Desk
Hawaii is preparing for potentially dangerous flooding, damaging winds and landslides as Hurricane Lowell approaches the islands, prompting authorities to close schools and government offices across Oahu and Kauai County.
Governor Josh Green ordered the closures for Tuesday as forecasters warned that Lowell could bring extreme rainfall to parts of the state, with isolated areas of Kauai potentially receiving as much as 24 inches of rain.
Schools, community colleges and state and county government offices are affected by the precautionary measures. Kauai County includes Kauai, home to more than 73,000 people, and the much smaller island of Niihau.
A tropical storm warning was also in effect for Oahu, where nearly one million people live.
Hurricane expected to pass close to Niihau
The National Hurricane Center said Lowell’s core was expected to pass near or just west of Niihau late Monday and early Tuesday.
Lowell had strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane by Monday afternoon. Although weakening was expected, forecasters said the system could remain a hurricane during its closest approach to the Hawaiian Islands.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the combination of heavy rainfall, strong winds and already vulnerable terrain.
The hurricane warning also covered part of the vast Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
Up to 24 inches of rain possible on Kauai
Rainfall represents one of the most serious threats from Lowell.
Parts of Kauai could receive as much as 24 inches, creating a significant risk of flash flooding, mudslides and dangerous road conditions.
Elsewhere, isolated totals of up to 10 inches were forecast for Oahu and Maui, while parts of the Big Island could receive as much as 12 inches.
Mountainous terrain makes Hawaii particularly vulnerable to intense rainfall. Water can move rapidly through valleys and across roads, while saturated slopes can trigger landslides with little warning.
Officials are urging residents not to attempt to drive through flooded areas.
Tornadoes and dangerous surf also possible
Lowell poses additional hazards beyond rain and conventional hurricane winds.
Forecasters warned that several tornadoes could develop near Kauai and Niihau during the evening and overnight, while tornadoes were also possible elsewhere across the Hawaiian Islands.
Dangerous rip currents and hazardous coastal conditions are another concern.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to remain away from shorelines while the storm passes.
Power outages are also possible if strong winds bring down trees or damage electricity infrastructure.
Governor urges residents to stay home
Green said the decision to close public institutions was intended both to protect residents and to keep roads clear for emergency services.
“Closing offices, schools and courts will help keep people off the roads during dangerous conditions and allow emergency crews to focus on protecting our communities,” the governor said.
He urged people in Kauai County to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary journeys and follow official emergency instructions.
Residents were also advised to prepare for possible electricity outages and continue monitoring weather and emergency alerts as Lowell approaches.
Hawaii still recovering from Tropical Storm Lala
The hurricane threat comes only weeks after Hawaii was struck by the effects of Tropical Storm Lala.
Although Lala did not make landfall, the storm caused substantial damage, particularly on the Big Island.
Heavy rainfall triggered landslides, approximately 100 homes were washed away and widespread power outages were reported.
The recent disaster has heightened concerns about Lowell, particularly if the hurricane delivers the extreme rainfall currently forecast for some areas.
Communities recovering from previous damage could be especially vulnerable to another round of flooding and landslides.
Authorities prepare for a dangerous night
The precise impact of Lowell will depend heavily on its track and intensity as it passes the western Hawaiian Islands.
Even without a direct landfall, the hurricane’s extensive rain bands and winds could create dangerous conditions across a wide area.
Kauai and Niihau appear to face the greatest immediate threat, but residents across Oahu, Maui and the Big Island are also being advised to remain alert.
The closure of schools and government offices reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating the storm.
For Hawaii, the priority over the coming hours will be keeping residents away from flooded roads and dangerous coastlines while emergency services respond to any landslides, power failures or other damage caused by Lowell.